defect
noun [ C ]
uk/ˈdiːfekt/ us COMMERCE, PRODUCTION
a fault that spoils something or causes it not to work correctly:
product defects
The report cited structural defects as the reason for the demolition of the building.
correct/remedy/rectify a defect
a major/serious/minor defect
a design/manufacturing defect
defect
verb [ I ]
uk/dɪˈfekt/ us WORKPLACE
to leave one company or organization and form or join another:
defect from/to sth Many of our sales team have defected to the competition.
COMMERCE, MARKETING
to stop buying a particular product or service and buy a different one instead:
defect from/to sth Millions of customers defected to rival telecommunications companies.
POLITICS
to leave your country or group and join another because you disagree with the ideas of those in control:
He's a pilot who defected to the United States.
defection
noun [ C or U ]
Since the introduction of the new tariff, there have been fewer customer defections.